Why is funeral not a sacrament?

[Thomasbradley312]

Maybe this sounds ridiculous but I think maybe my understanding of sacraments may be off but why is the requiem or funeral mass not considered a sacrament? I would think the prayers for the deceased would be especially important to their soul?
Thanks

 

[JulianN]

Because the person has died and is not there to receive the sacrament.

 

[DisorientingSneeze]

Related question. Does your funeral mass information get sent to your parish of record to be recorded with your other information?

 

[maryjk]

No.

It isn’t a sacrament. And that is what is recorded at your baptism parish.

 

[EricF]

Indeed the prayers are beneficial, both for the deceased, and for the mourners. Burying the dead is one of the corporal works of mercy we are specifically called to perform.

 

[Pitcairn17]

No Mass, funeral or otherwise, is a “sacrament.” The Sacrament is the Eucharist confected at a Mass. Other Sacraments may be conferred during a Mass, such as Matrimony or Confirmation or Baptism or Holy Orders.

 

[1ke]

Maybe this sounds ridiculous but I think maybe my understanding of sacraments may be off but why is the requiem or funeral mass not considered a sacrament?

Sacraments can only be received by living people. Sacraments confer sanctifying grace.

I would think the prayers for the deceased would be especially important to their soul?

Yes, our prayers are added to the treasury of merit and can certainly benefit those undergoing purgation.

 

[1ke]

Does your funeral mass information get sent to your parish of record to be recorded with your other information?

No.

Deaths and burials can be recorded in the parish where you die, but it isn’t required by church law, and burial recorded in the cemetery records.

 

[CRV]

There are 7 Sacraments of which there are two “types” -

• those for the living are Confirmation, Holy Communion, Matrimony and the Ordination to the Priesthood. Sacraments of the Living
• those for the ‘dead’ ie spiritually dead, are Baptism, Confession/Penance and Anointing of the Sick. Sacraments of the dead

CCC The Seven Sacraments

OSV - What Every Catholic Needs to Know About Funerals

 

[IdaCatholic]

Sacraments are outward signs of inward Grace Instituted by Christ for our sanctification. That cannot apply to one who is already dead and judged.

 

[Thomasbradley312]

Thank you. I understand. So sacraments are for the living to lead us to heaven through the Church. In that case is a requiem mass really necessary then? Is it more symbolic or is there any grace or help we give the deceased by celebrating it?

 

[Fauken]

In that case is a requiem mass really necessary then? Is it more symbolic or is there any grace or help we give the deceased by celebrating it?

Requiem Masses are reminders to us of our own mortality, and can be useful if the deceased is in purgatory.

 

[Thom18]

Sacraments are for the living, not the dead.

 

[IdaCatholic]

If the deceased is in purgatory they NEED our prayers and Masses offered for them. Praying for the dead is the duty of every Catholic. And the Mass is the most powerful form of prayer.

 

[CRV]

In that case is a requiem mass really necessary then?

Yes. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered for the deceased person - that God be merciful towards them, and it gives comfort to the grieving family knowing that is the one best thing they can do for their loved one now.

It is also good to have a Mass offered for the repose of the deceased ones’ soul on the 3rd day after, 7th day after, 30th day after and yearly anniversary of death.

 

[AlbMagno]

While I understand the language limitations, I am a little annoyed by people distinguishing between living and “dead”. This “deads” could very well be more alive than us. Jesus always referred to the converted as “living”, even after death.

It could lead to confusion to a uncathecised reader. We believe in the literal Resurrection.

 

[CRV]

Thoughts on the Traditional Latin Requiem Mass – Not Really as Dark or Dreadful As Many Say - Msgr Charles Pope 2013

A Funeral Sermon designed to teach on the Last Things, and inspire prayer - Msgr Charles Pope 2013

Funeral Foibles. How many Catholic funerals lack balance and do not teach clearly on the Last Things - Msgr Charles Pope 2013

 

[CRV]

The dead are those who are “dead” in sin. I meant spiritually dead, not physically dead.

• We rise with Christ in Baptism to new life. ETA CCC #1214 " This sacrament is called Baptism , after the central rite by which it is carried out: to baptize (Greek baptizein ) means to “plunge” or “immerse”; the “plunge” into the water symbolizes the catechumen’s burial into Christ’s death, from which he rises up by resurrection with him, as "a new creature.""
• Confession (assuming mortal sin here) restores the soul to life in Christ. CCC #1468 ""The whole power of the sacrament of Penance consists in restoring us to God’s grace and joining us with him in an intimate friendship."73 Reconciliation with God is thus the purpose and effect of this sacrament. For those who receive the sacrament of Penance with contrite heart and religious disposition, reconciliation "is usually followed by peace and serenity of conscience with strong spiritual consolation.“74 Indeed the sacrament of Reconciliation with God brings about a true “spiritual resurrection,” restoration of the dignity and blessings of the life of the children of God, of which the most precious is friendship with God.” (Bold emphasis is mine.)
• Anointing of the Sick can also restore the soul to God’s friendship if there was mortal sin. CCC #1532 " the forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of Penance;" And the sacrament of penance is necessary for the forgiveness of mortal sins, and mortal sin kills the life of sanctifying grace/supernatural life within a soul.

ETA

Jesus always referred to the converted as “living”,

which their souls are - after being Baptized and after confessing their sins ie Confession/penance.

even after death.

which they are, if they died in a state of grace, in the friendship of God.

We believe in the literal Resurrection.

That we do! I don’t believe in any of my posts I have implied or stated otherwise.

 

[shanishani7]

7 Sacraments are like the special spiritual ceremony founded and established by Jesus that special graces and blessing are given by God to Catholics on earth from Heaven. It is as a connection of Earth with Heaven.

Since the dead are not on earth anymore, it’s not regarded as Sacrament.

 

[Thomasbradley312]

Okay.
But when one is about to be buried , the priest says these special prayers and sprinkles holy water on the casket( among other things before and after the mass) that are unique prayers, and comes off somewhat as sacramental, that is where the confusion for me first started, the priest is saying these prayers at the cemetery in some context as if the soul is being blessed or maybe I took it the wrong way, but the holy water on the casket almost comes off like it is sacramental in nature. Isn’t holy water a sacramental to keep evil away or receive some graces of course not equal to the sacraments, but the sprinkling of holy water on the casket almost seems like a connection to baptism. So what would the purpose of holy water on a deceased person be if it has no effect? And priests also do this at cemeteries on some days like All Souls Day masses as well where they throw holy water on the cemetery.